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Surfin’ Safari

SURFIN’ SAFARI
 
Surfin' Safari  is the debut album by American rock band the Beach Boys, released on October 1, 1962 on Capitol Records.  The official production credit went to Nick Venet, though it was Brian Wilson with his father Murry who contributed substantially to the album’s production; Brian also wrote or co-wrote nine of its 12 tracks.  The album peaked at No. 32 in its 37-week run on the US charts.  The album was preceded by two singles:  “Surfin’” and “Surfin’ Safari”, which charted at Nos. 75 and 14, respectively.  The success of “Surfin’ Safari” helped secure a full album for the group; while an additional single, “Ten Little Indians”, was issued, charting at No. 49.  

(More from Wikipedia)

 
 
We have been bombarded with important anniversaries this year.  In music, they all seem to go back to 1962:  The first albums by Bob Dylan (Bob Dylan) and by the Beach Boys (Surfin’ Safari) were released in the US; the Beatles’ first single, “Love Me Do” b/w “P.S. I Love You” was released in the UK (Sir Paul McCartney also turned 70 this year); the Rolling Stones had their first concert; and Andy Williams first began singing his signature song, “Moon River”.  All of this historical context might have gotten rock musicians in a writing mood:  Books by Keith Richards, Pete Townshend, Rod Stewart, and Neil Young all came out this year. 
 
(Year 3 Review)